By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as the new Country Representative for Nigeria.

Ms. Wafaa brings to the role over two decades of experience in international humanitarian and development work, with a proven track record in advancing children’s rights and improving community well-being across various global contexts.

Prior to her appointment to Nigeria, she served as the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she led numerous successful interventions in a complex humanitarian environment. Her career spans key leadership roles within the United Nations, including with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP) in countries such as Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia.

She also held senior positions at the global level with OCHA in New York and Geneva. Her career began in Sudan, where she worked with the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations, focusing on displaced populations and environmental sustainability.

Ms. Wafaa holds a Master of Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence in her leadership, stating that her expertise in program management, coordination, and strategic planning will play a critical role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to ensure the rights and well-being of every child.

She is expected to strengthen partnerships and accelerate progress in child health, education, protection, and social inclusion initiatives across the country.

UNICEF warmly welcomed Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and expressed optimism about her contribution to the organization’s mission in Nigeria.

By Our Correspondent

In a historic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), following the resignation of Senator George Akume.

The appointment, which was announced late Monday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history, as Hajiya Hadiza becomes the first woman ever to occupy the influential office of SGF.

Hadiza Bala Usman, a seasoned public administrator and political strategist, previously served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and more recently as Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Her track record of service, reform, and dedication to transparency has earned her respect across party lines.

President Tinubu, in his announcement, expressed confidence in her ability to bring professionalism, gender inclusivity, and fresh energy to the office. He emphasized that her appointment aligns with his administration’s commitment to meritocracy, competence, and empowering women in leadership.

“Hadiza Bala Usman has demonstrated capacity, integrity, and loyalty to the ideals of good governance. Her wealth of experience will play a critical role in driving our renewed hope agenda and policy implementation,” the statement from the presidency read.

Her appointment comes on the heels of the voluntary resignation of Senator George Akume, who stepped down after months of speculation over his future in government. Sources suggest he may be preparing to assume a more strategic political role within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), possibly as the next national chairman.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is a central coordinating body for federal ministries and agencies, and is pivotal to policy execution and intergovernmental affairs. Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman’s entry into the role signals a new chapter in the nation’s governance structure.

Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive, with women’s rights groups, civil society organizations, and political observers hailing the decision as progressive and long overdue.

With this appointment, President Tinubu reinforces his pledge to ensure broader representation and competence-driven leadership at the highest levels of government.

By Our Correspondent

Deputy National Chairman, North, of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, has emerged the acting National Chairman of the party.

The development followed Friday’s sudden resignation of the erstwhile National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

Section 14(2) of the APC Constitution (as amended) stipulates the duties of a Deputy National Chairman of the party among which is to assist the National Chairman in the discharge of his duties.

In Section 14(2)(iii), the constitution states that, “the Deputy National Chairman shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”.

Although the circumstances surrounding his resignation was not clear as of press time, a top party official simply told Vanguard, “yes, it is true. He has resigned”.

While it was gathered that his aides had earlier moved his personal effects from his office at the national secretariat, there was seeming confusion at the premises as both staff and visitors received the news with shock.

It was gathered that the former Kano State governor resigned based on growth grounds, party sources said consideration for the zoning of vice presidency was one of the reasons.

“A lot of people are scheming to be picked as running mate to President Tinubu in 2027. If you check even your own media reports, many of the names being touted are from the North West. If eventually the slot is taken to the North West, the party chairman will definitely have to come from another place.

“Do not also forget that the position of national chairman was actually officially zoned to the North Central. So, we are likely to see the emergence of a new chairman from the North Central”, said one of the sources.

When asked who the next chairman could be, one of the sources said a former Governor of Nasarawa state, Senator Umar Tanko Almakura was top on the list.

“Almakura is top on that list, as far as I know”, he said.